Sommeliers Australia has announced the 12 emerging sommeliers and wine professionals selected for the 2025 Education Scholarship.
This year’s successful scholars will come together in Melbourne from 11–13 August for a three-day immersive program designed to support the next generation of Australia’s wine and hospitality sector.
Held triennially, the scholarship is a flagship initiative created to build capability, community and confidence among Australia’s wine professionals.
The program includes benchmarking tastings, hosted by some of the country’s most respected wine and hospitality professionals.
The 2025 recipients represent a cross-section of the industry, coming from venues across the country and bringing with them varied experience and aspirations.
Leading member and Vice President of the Education Scholarship committee, Bridget Raffal, reflected on the strength of this year’s submissions.
“Top responses reflected a sense of generosity: applicants showed they’d contribute meaningfully to the conversation in the room while remaining open to learning from others,” she said.
“They struck a balance between personal and professional, highlighting the importance of community and communication in wine, why opportunities like this matter, and how they help shape better, more connected professionals.”
Selected scholar, Sophie Kemp from The Heritage Wine Bar and Restaurant, Western Australia, shared her appreciation for the opportunity.
“I would like to thank Sommeliers Australia for this opportunity – it means so much to be a 2025 scholar. I appreciate the chance to further immerse myself in the world of wine. I’m so excited to absorb as much as possible from seasoned industry professionals.”
Fellow scholar Courtney Keegan from Dan Murphys, Victoria echoed the enthusiasm.
“I’m most excited for the opportunity to build upon my skills and get an in-depth look at benchmark examples from around the world and from Australia. I’m also excited to connect with my partnered sponsor and also to connect with and learn from my fellow scholars.”
Industry partnerships
The program is brought together with the support of industry partners, with Sarah Andrew, Acting President and Strategy Director, thanking the industry for its contributions.
“The launch of this tri-annual opportunity comes at a time the industry has never been more engaged with Sommeliers Australia and our members. We have events selling out, waiting lists for highly anticipated opportunities and the Education Scholarship working group has just selected 12 professional, diverse and engaging members from across the country.”
She added: “The support from business and industry alike has been unprecedented, taking considerable focus to match scholars to sponsors. The offers to continue engagement beyond the scholarship from both recipients and sponsors is exciting for all our members.”
Champagne Pol Roger has also been announced as the 12-month Champagne sponsor and major partner for the Education Scholarship, with National Business Manager Tim Evans emphasising the company’s commitment to the next generation of wine professionals.
“This partnership aligns with our long-standing values of excellence, education, and industry support. By investing in the professional growth of Australia’s most promising sommeliers, we not only help strengthen the future of the hospitality and wine industries but also honour the craftsmanship and heritage that both Pol Roger and Samuel Smith & Son proudly represent.”
In the past, Wine Australia has been a key supporter of Sommeliers Australia, and this year will support the initiative as a Scholar Sponsor.
Wine Australia’s General Manager of Marketing, Paul Turale said: “We’re thrilled to once again partner with Sommeliers Australia for the Education Scholarship. The program closely reflects our commitment to building capability and connection across the wine community. As education evolves, this kind of initiative helps strengthen how we communicate, entertain and inspire across an increasingly dynamic on-premise landscape.”
Penfolds also joins this year’s Education Scholarship as a major sponsor and Sommelier’s Australia’s official 12-month Education Partner.
Penfolds Chief Marketing Officer Kristy Keyte said: “We’re excited to partner with Sommeliers Australia as the Major Sponsor for the 2025 Education Scholarship. Supporting the next generation of wine professionals is a natural extension of our commitment to the future of the industry.
“Through our Evermore program, and specifically our Future Winemaking pillar, this partnership reflects our belief in supporting future generations through education and hands-on learning opportunities as the foundations for long-term industry growth.”
Riedel has also been renewed as the official Glassware Partner and this year has expanded its support as a Scholar Sponsor.
Mark Baulderstone, Managing Director commented: “At Riedel, education is at the heart of our brand, so we are proud to continue our sponsorship to help educate the future of the Australian wine industry.”
The full list of selected scholars:
- Alison O’Brien, Sommelier Bennelong Restaurant, NSW
- Courtney Keegan Wine Merchant Dan Murphys, VIC
- Eduardo Fritis-Lamora Head Sommelier Shell House, NSW
- Gregory Teodosio, Wine Buyer East End Cellars, SA
- Hanna Johansson, Area Sales Manager Vintage & Vine, VIC
- Houston Barakat, Head Sommelier Saint Peter, NSW
- Jim Mullany, Wine Sales Atlas Vinifera, VIC
- Katia Taschetti, Owner, Manager, Sommelier Threecoins & Sons and Testun Bar, WA
- Miriam Rose, Head Sommelier C’est Bon Restaurant, QLD
- Nicolas Delporte, Trade Waiter/Sommelier 8 At Trinity, NSW
- Seth Piszczuk, Sommelier The Crafers Hotel, SA
- Sophie Kemp, Junior Sommelier/Section Waitress The Heritage Wine Bar and Restaurant, WA